6 month old

Your baby will soon learn to sit independently, push up and move around, in a circle if not forward or backward. And he is probably trying to bear his own weight on his legs when held tightly by you - practising for the moment later on when he starts standing and cruising. He might be rolling over too. As for communication, you're more than likely to hear his first attempts at babbling before long, if you haven't already. On another front, he is learning things have names and often prefers the familiar things in his world. Here is what you can expect from your six month old:

Shows curiosity about things and tries to get things that are out of reach

Begins to pass things from one hand to another

Learning the idea of cause and effect. For instance, shaking the rattle makes noise.

Learning the concept of object permanence by looking for toys which have been dropped or partially hidden.

Physical Development

May roll over in both directions (from front to back, back to front)

When on stomach can lift chest and upper part of abdomen off the surface bearing weight on hands and not forearms.

Able to sit on the floor with lower back support.

Able to sit in a high chair with a straight back.

Can use both arms to prop himself up.

Uses toes and hands in a swimming motion to push on tummy towards an interesting toy.try to wiggle forward on floor

When held in a standing position, supports weight on both legs

Rocks back and forth, sometimes crawling backward before moving forward

Adjusts body to see an object

Opens mouth for spoon

Drinks from a cup when held to lips

Can hold bottle

Keeps head level when pulled to sitting position

Developmental watch

Doesn’t try to get things that are in reach

Shows no affection for care givers

Doesn’t respond to sounds around him

Has difficulty getting things to mouth

Doesn’t roll over in either direction

Doesn’t laugh or make squealing sounds

Seems very stiff, with tight muscles

Seems very floppy, like a rag doll

Doesn’t make vowel sounds (ah, eh, oh)

Recommended activities

A range of toys and playthings will be useful now. Variety is all important as he may examine an object for just a few seconds before losing interest.

Soft toys: most babies will now be able to hold on to toys. They will enjoy small soft toys, especially ones with interesting bits to discover, like different textures and noises.

Make conversation whenever you have the chance, but give him plenty of time to respond

Talk as you do things and sing or chant nursery rhymes so he gets used to listening to you. He will enjoy the pattern and rhythm of the sounds

Read baby books together: he will love the sound of your voice as well as looking at the bright colours and shapes

Board books: your baby is also ready to look at the pictures in thick board book with you, especially if they are simple shapes in bright colours.

Activity centre: once your baby can grasp things in both hands an activity centre tied to the side of his cot will be fun, choose one that makes lots of different noises.

Play peek-a-boo

Imitate words such as “mama” to help baby learn language

Provide an unbreakable mirror

Provide large, bright-coloured toys that make noise or have moving parts (avoid toys with small parts)

Start naming parts of the body and the environment

Use the word “no” infrequently

Babies grow and develop at different rates. The information above is offered as a guide. There is no need to expect your baby's development to fit with all the above descriptions. If you’re at all worried about your baby's development, it is best to speak with your doctor.

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